• NSW Claims (field maps viewer)

    NSW Claims (fields map viewer) is no longer available to the public. Data will be moved to another application shortly. We apologies for the inconvenience.

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  • Opal prospecting

    Mineral exploration for opals is termed prospecting, conducted under an Opal Prospecting Licence or Mineral Claim.

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  • Mineral claims

    Mineral claims within the Lightning Ridge Mineral Claims District are processed by the department's Lightning Ridge Office.

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  • Opal prospecting and mineral claims forms

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  • Lightning Ridge fees & charges

    A schedule of fees and charges that apply to mineral claims. Please note: Mining, Exploration and Geoscience will no longer accept cheques.

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  • Mining courses

    Before being able to hold a mineral claim, the Safety Awareness Course must be completed.

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  • Maps, reports & records

    Records are available from the Lightning Ridge Office, for inspection, free of charge, by members of the public during office hours.

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  • Lightning Ridge Voluntary Surrender Scheme

    Read about the Scheme which gave leaseholders within Opal Prospecting Areas 1, 2 and 3 an opportunity to express interest in surrendering lots heavily affected by opal mining.

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  • About opal

    Precious opal is unique among gemstones. Each stone has its own individual pattern and range of colours, and its colours and patterns can change with the angle of view.

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  • About Lightning Ridge

    Lightning Ridge is one of the few places in the world where the precious and highly prized black opal is found. Learn more about the town in north-western New South Wales.

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  • Mining overview

    Opal mining takes place within a Mineral Claim using multiple methods of extraction. Learn more about the methods here.

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For further information
Lightning Ridge Office
Phone:
+61 (0)2 6820 5200
Fax:
+61 (0)2 6829 0825
lightningridge.office@planning.nsw.gov.au
Postal:
NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Division of Resources and Geoscience, PO Box 314 Lightning Ridge NSW 2834
Office:
Lot 60 Morilla Street Lightning Ridge NSW 2834 Map